Camping Sites In Colorado That Are Open

Elevation 6,600 feet guarantees a mild climate in any season. Many, but not all, of these maps show where dispersed camping is permitted. Roads with dots on either side represent free campsites. Find campsites ahead of time and know where you’re going.

Located on the Wet Mountain Valley floor, this park has a great view of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. The park offers community fire pits, Wi-Fi, and a clubhouse equipped with a kitchenette. It is a Good Sam affiliated park, so members will receive a discount on this RV park’s rates for an affordable stay in Colorado. Colorado National Monument – A stunning national monument in Grand Junction’s backyard.

How To Find Dispersed Camping In Colorado

Pearl Lake State Park Campground is situated close to the town of Hahn’s Peak, north of Steamboat Springs. The peaceful lake is named for Pearl Hartt, who was the wife of John Kelly Hartt, a pioneer sheep rancher. Those who made reservations to camp through May 11 should be receiving a full refund.

Dispersed camping can be found near Buena Vista. There is 1 campground near Buena Vista and the rest are near Taylor Park Reservoir on the west side. These primitive sites are generally marked by a fire ring and don’t provide amenities, like restrooms or tables. If you’re lucky there will be a vault toilet at a nearby trailhead. Most sites are located next to the road for easy car camping. Tip – It’s always good to show up early and claim your spot, or reserve well in advance for popular spots like state and national parks.

It is often called wilderness camping, or backcountry camping. For starters, apps like The Dyrt already list campground amenities so if you’ve found one you want to visit bathrooms are easy to check. Following these rules, you can go camping for free in most areas of the Colorado National Forest.

Some campers complain that they can still hear the highway and byway located nearby. The campground is located on the Williams Creek Reservoir western shore, offering dramatic views of the spectacular San Juans that tower over the lake. To the north, are the peaks of Chief, Toner, and Cimarrona Peak, while Rock Mountain dominates the east. Behind the campgrounds, expansive aspen groves quiver in the breeze.

Dinosaur Green And Yampa River Permits

The lake is surrounded by camping and recreation. Dispersed camping can be found in much of the national forest land around the byway. There are spots near Trappers Lake, the Alpine Loop, and a ton around Creede. There are also 6 paid primitive camping areas along the 134 mile stretch of river.

Then any county/forest service roads could potentially allow dispersed camping. The Maroon Bells are without a doubt one of the most famous locations in all of Colorado. Consisting of a pair of 14,000-foot mountains that are amongst the most photographed peaks in all of North America, this is a location that offers breathtaking views all year long. Whether you decide to stay at the Silver Bar, Silver Bell, or Silver Queen campsites, you simply can’t go wrong here. They are all equally amazing and must-visit locations for those who love camping. Dispersed camping can be found near Eldora Resort.

Incredible whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Stunning golf courses whose green fairways are juxtaposed against the craggy Redland desert. One of the area’s most prominent parks, it is broken up into five distinct areas — what Mr. Robb referred to as “pearls” — that stretch along the banks of the Colorado River. The easternmost portion of the park, Island Acres, is located outside of Palisade and provides electric hook-up, for RVs and tent camping options depending on your needs.

Guanella Pass

After entering the park, the sites are off one of the first dirt roads to the left. Flat Tops Trail – A national scenic byway connecting Yampa and Meeker. Dispersed camping can be found in the surrounding Routt National Forest. Both Forest Service Rd 486 and 488 near the lake have spots.

This is due in part to its remote nature, which requires a three-hour drive from Denver just to get to the location. The upside is that this usually makes it extremely easy to reserve a spot, even during the busier summer months. Offering RV and boat storage, a playground, horseshoe pits, and beautiful views, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery anyway you want. There is some dispersed camping west of Blue Mesa, near the Morrow Point Reservoir .

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Colorado never feels crowded. So, pack your tent, grab your backpack, and reserve yourself your very own little piece of paradise this summer. The lake is situated in the Bear River Valley, close to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, the second-largest wilderness in Colorado. The lake is enclosed by the towering, volcanic cliffs of the Flat Tops, while the valley is refreshingly lush with spruce, fir, and aspen. River Run Campground in Granby is a very new facility that’s described as a cabin rental, glamping, camping, and RV resort.

Best Free Camping Incolorado

The Western United States is known for being a hotspot for RV road trips. From colorful forests to breathtaking beaches, there’s a vast array of natural beauty to behold. One of the most popular destinations is the Centennial State, Colorado.

Eleven Mile State Park – An 11-mile long lake, open to motorboats, sailboats, canoes, but no water/body contact sports like jet skiing or swimming. All campsites are within walking distance of the lake. Boat rentals are available at the lake and also next door at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, another state park open for day use.

And sites are usually right next to the road, so it’s perfect for car camping. Overlooking scenic vistas in Southwest Colorado, this park is home to 42 acres of beautiful forest. Everything is lively at this park, with a freshly remodeled bathhouse with showers and laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and an overall clean and simple, yet rustic campground. Dispersed camping can be found just west of Almont Campground on Forest Service Rd 860. Or go east from Almont on CR 743 for a few minutes to camping. Or take CR 742 from town for about 20 miles to the Taylor Park Reservoir, where there’s lots of dispersed camping in the area.

Note that motorized boats are not permitted on the lake, and wakeless boating only is allowed. Anglers must use either lures or flies and may only take two 18-inch trout per day. CPW said it’s working to implement system-wide safety protocols related to social distancing in campgrounds. There is no shortage of camping locations in the National Park Service — there are over 130 park units to choose from! Use the map below to find a park with camping opportunities.

Denver Mountain Area, Colorado

Spending the night for free at dispersed camping sites is our favorite way to travel. You get a quiet and primitive experience without the restrictions of larger campgrounds. For the National Forest and BLM campsites, click “dispersed camping” and you can find information including location, directions, water and restroom facilities.